The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath for a historic third successive term, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Monday questioned whether Modi had a “mandate” to lead the country. Speaking at a party event in Ahmednagar, around 125 km from Pune, Pawar noted that the BJP did not secure a majority in the recent Lok Sabha elections and had to rely on allies to form the new coalition government at the Centre.
Pawar criticized Modi’s election campaign approach, pointing out that Modi referred to the government as “Modi Sarkar” rather than the “Government of India.” He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s role is to represent all segments of society, including minorities like Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Parsis.
Referring to Modi’s campaign statements, Pawar highlighted remarks that he felt targeted specific communities, such as comments about certain groups having more children and the possibility of the opposition seizing property. Pawar questioned whether a Prime Minister should speak in such a manner and accused Modi of deliberately ignoring the need to foster trust among all communities.
Pawar also addressed Modi’s labeling of him as a “bhatakti aatma” (wandering restless soul), noting that the term “eternal soul” would persist in challenging Modi. He criticized Modi’s reference to the Shiv Sena (UBT) as “nakli Shiv Sena” (fake Shiv Sena) and suggested that such statements reflected Modi’s anxiety over retaining power.
Regarding the NCP (SP), Pawar expressed confidence in building a new, effective team to garner public support, not only in Maharashtra but also in Haryana and Jharkhand, where elections are upcoming. He urged party members to strengthen the organization and protect marginalized communities’ interests.
Pawar also referenced the defeat of the BJP candidate in Ayodhya, noting that even in the context of the Ram Temple, local voters rejected the BJP. He praised newly elected Ahmednagar MP Nilesh Lanke, who defeated BJP’s sitting MP Sujay Vikhe Patil, defending Lanke’s ability to serve effectively regardless of language proficiency.
Finally, Pawar assured that the NCP’s newly elected MPs would have his guidance, likening their group to the “ashtapradhan mandal” (group of eight ministers) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.